Extraordinary Host
Korean actors Lee Je Hoon and Park Eun-bin, star of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” are set as hosts of the opening ceremony at the Busan International Film Festival. The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 4 at the purpose-built Busan Cinema Center.
Park performed as the first cross-dressing queen in a Korean historical drama with “The King’s Affection” in 2021 and cemented her position as the lead of hit contemporary drama series “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”
Lee emerged as a rising star with his intense performances in films such as “Bleak Night “(2011), “The Front Line” (2011) and “Architecture 101” (2012). Following that, he showcased a broad range of acting skills in various genres, as seen in films “Anarchist From Colony” (2017), “I Can Speak” (2017) and “Time to Hunt.”
The pair previously shared the screen in the 2014 drama series “Secret Door.“
The festival runs Oct. 4-13.
Mix Tape Memories
Binge, the streaming arm of Australian pay-tv group Foxtel,...
Korean actors Lee Je Hoon and Park Eun-bin, star of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” are set as hosts of the opening ceremony at the Busan International Film Festival. The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 4 at the purpose-built Busan Cinema Center.
Park performed as the first cross-dressing queen in a Korean historical drama with “The King’s Affection” in 2021 and cemented her position as the lead of hit contemporary drama series “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”
Lee emerged as a rising star with his intense performances in films such as “Bleak Night “(2011), “The Front Line” (2011) and “Architecture 101” (2012). Following that, he showcased a broad range of acting skills in various genres, as seen in films “Anarchist From Colony” (2017), “I Can Speak” (2017) and “Time to Hunt.”
The pair previously shared the screen in the 2014 drama series “Secret Door.“
The festival runs Oct. 4-13.
Mix Tape Memories
Binge, the streaming arm of Australian pay-tv group Foxtel,...
- 8/28/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Busy Australian production company Aquarius Films has partnered with Irish production company Port Pictures to produce the feature film, “The Good People.” The film is based on the award-winning novel by Hannah Kent, who also wrote the adapted screenplay.
“The Good People” is set in 19th century Ireland at a time when the Catholic church was waging war against pagan beliefs. It sees three women conspire to free a young boy from evil spirits.
“The Good People” is an examination of absolute belief and superstition. It depicts a series of actions that are both tender and harsh and raises questions about belonging, understanding and acceptance.
The film is to be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films, and Martina Niland of Port Pictures. The film will be executive produced by Aquarius Films’ Miranda Culley. The film has received development funding from Screen Australia.
Neither a director nor...
“The Good People” is set in 19th century Ireland at a time when the Catholic church was waging war against pagan beliefs. It sees three women conspire to free a young boy from evil spirits.
“The Good People” is an examination of absolute belief and superstition. It depicts a series of actions that are both tender and harsh and raises questions about belonging, understanding and acceptance.
The film is to be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films, and Martina Niland of Port Pictures. The film will be executive produced by Aquarius Films’ Miranda Culley. The film has received development funding from Screen Australia.
Neither a director nor...
- 5/21/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Aquarius Films has optioned the film development and production rights to Abdul Karim Hekmat’s acclaimed article “True Love in Nauru,” and aims to produce it as feature film “Paradise.”
“Paradise” is the powerful true story of two men who meet and fall in love in an Australian offshore detention center. Their relationship becomes a life-affirming source of strength as they take on institutional indifference and overcome hopelessness, finally making their way to freedom.
Hekmat’s original article was published in The Monthly, an Australian political and society magazine. Hekmat, who resides in Australia, arrived as a refugee from Afghanistan and spent five months in detention will co-write the screenplay with Roger Monk.
“Paradise” will be co-directed by Rhys Graham and Phoenix Raei, an Australian actor-director of Persian descent. Rae, who will be making his feature directorial debut, has recent performance credits including Netflix series “The Night Agent,” Netflix mini-series “Clickbait,...
“Paradise” is the powerful true story of two men who meet and fall in love in an Australian offshore detention center. Their relationship becomes a life-affirming source of strength as they take on institutional indifference and overcome hopelessness, finally making their way to freedom.
Hekmat’s original article was published in The Monthly, an Australian political and society magazine. Hekmat, who resides in Australia, arrived as a refugee from Afghanistan and spent five months in detention will co-write the screenplay with Roger Monk.
“Paradise” will be co-directed by Rhys Graham and Phoenix Raei, an Australian actor-director of Persian descent. Rae, who will be making his feature directorial debut, has recent performance credits including Netflix series “The Night Agent,” Netflix mini-series “Clickbait,...
- 3/29/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Sales
Kids’ content distributor Federation Kids and Family and Zdf Enterprises have sold all three seasons of hit series “Find Me in Paris” to streamer Disney Plus as part of a worldwide multi-territory deal, while Italian state broadcaster Rai also picked up season 3 following on from its successful run of the first two seasons.
Broadcast in over 80 territories, “Find Me in Paris” (78 x 26’) follows the story of Lena Grisky, a time-travelling ballet dancer from 1905 Russia trapped in modern day Paris, and the many dilemmas she faces finding her place between two worlds. The series has also been a social media hit across all platforms, with the soundtracks registering 18 million streams across all music streaming platforms for 2020/2021 and its YouTube channel recording 46.1 million views to date.
“Find Me in Paris” is produced by David Michel, Zoé Carrera Allaix, and Cecile Lauritano for Cottonwood Media and co-produced with Zdf, Zdf Enterprises, Be-Films...
Kids’ content distributor Federation Kids and Family and Zdf Enterprises have sold all three seasons of hit series “Find Me in Paris” to streamer Disney Plus as part of a worldwide multi-territory deal, while Italian state broadcaster Rai also picked up season 3 following on from its successful run of the first two seasons.
Broadcast in over 80 territories, “Find Me in Paris” (78 x 26’) follows the story of Lena Grisky, a time-travelling ballet dancer from 1905 Russia trapped in modern day Paris, and the many dilemmas she faces finding her place between two worlds. The series has also been a social media hit across all platforms, with the soundtracks registering 18 million streams across all music streaming platforms for 2020/2021 and its YouTube channel recording 46.1 million views to date.
“Find Me in Paris” is produced by David Michel, Zoé Carrera Allaix, and Cecile Lauritano for Cottonwood Media and co-produced with Zdf, Zdf Enterprises, Be-Films...
- 2/22/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Production in Australia’s Victoria state has begun on “Savage River,” a six-part crime thriller being directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the U.S. distributor Dynamic Television.
The show, about a female ex-con who is accused of a fresh murder in her small-town home, stars Katherine Langford. As she attempts to prove her innocence she discovers long-buried secrets that cast doubt on everything she thought she knew.
Langford is joined by Jacqueline McKenzie, Cooper Van Grootel, Nadine Garner (“The Doctor Blake Mysteries”), James Mackay (“Dynasty”), Bernard Curry (“Wentworth”), Mark Coles Smith (“Mystery Road: Origin”), Virginia Gay, Daniel Henshall (“Snowtown”), Amesh Edireweera (“The Serpent”) and Osamah Sami (“Ali’s Wedding”). Additional cast, some undertaking their first major role, include Miranda Anwar, Maia Abbas, Haya Abbas, Bill Zeng and Hattie Hook.
The 6×57 minute series is co-created by writers Belinda Bradley, Franz Docherty and lead writer Giula Sandler. After...
The show, about a female ex-con who is accused of a fresh murder in her small-town home, stars Katherine Langford. As she attempts to prove her innocence she discovers long-buried secrets that cast doubt on everything she thought she knew.
Langford is joined by Jacqueline McKenzie, Cooper Van Grootel, Nadine Garner (“The Doctor Blake Mysteries”), James Mackay (“Dynasty”), Bernard Curry (“Wentworth”), Mark Coles Smith (“Mystery Road: Origin”), Virginia Gay, Daniel Henshall (“Snowtown”), Amesh Edireweera (“The Serpent”) and Osamah Sami (“Ali’s Wedding”). Additional cast, some undertaking their first major role, include Miranda Anwar, Maia Abbas, Haya Abbas, Bill Zeng and Hattie Hook.
The 6×57 minute series is co-created by writers Belinda Bradley, Franz Docherty and lead writer Giula Sandler. After...
- 2/7/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
In the Aquarius Films and ABC drama Savage River, Jocelyn Moorhouse was offered the kind of mini-series she’d love to watch herself.
The Dressmaker director is an enthusiastic binge watcher of crime mysteries and Scandi-noir – particularly those with great female characters – so the Katherine Langford-led series was right up her alley.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’ve always wanted to do one of these, and here it is.’ It’s dark, brooding and really well plotted,” she tells If.
Now three weeks into pre-production, Savage River was officially announced as part of the ABC’s upfronts today. Production will begin early next year in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Langford plays Miki Anderson, a young woman who returns to her hometown in rural Victoria after eight years in prison.
She’s determined to finally move on with her life, getting a job in the local meatworks, but the...
The Dressmaker director is an enthusiastic binge watcher of crime mysteries and Scandi-noir – particularly those with great female characters – so the Katherine Langford-led series was right up her alley.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’ve always wanted to do one of these, and here it is.’ It’s dark, brooding and really well plotted,” she tells If.
Now three weeks into pre-production, Savage River was officially announced as part of the ABC’s upfronts today. Production will begin early next year in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Langford plays Miki Anderson, a young woman who returns to her hometown in rural Victoria after eight years in prison.
She’s determined to finally move on with her life, getting a job in the local meatworks, but the...
- 11/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
With the future of Australian TV drama under the microscope, there was always going to be added interest in the ABC’s 2022 slate.
The public broadcaster will deliver in the genre in its 90th year, officially announcing at today’s upfronts new series Significant Others and Savage River.
They join titles Mystery Road: Origin, Troppo, and Barons in a drama line-up that is noticeably larger than what has so far been announced by the commercial free-to-air platforms.
ABC director of entertainment and specialist Michael Carrington told If the broadcaster was pleased to be able to meet demand in the space.
“It’s something our audiences want and I’m thrilled we’re able to provide it,” he said.
“Drama is a really expensive genre. It takes a lot of effort, resources, craft skills, etc. to build a drama series, as well as a lot of time.
“Obviously we are investing...
The public broadcaster will deliver in the genre in its 90th year, officially announcing at today’s upfronts new series Significant Others and Savage River.
They join titles Mystery Road: Origin, Troppo, and Barons in a drama line-up that is noticeably larger than what has so far been announced by the commercial free-to-air platforms.
ABC director of entertainment and specialist Michael Carrington told If the broadcaster was pleased to be able to meet demand in the space.
“It’s something our audiences want and I’m thrilled we’re able to provide it,” he said.
“Drama is a really expensive genre. It takes a lot of effort, resources, craft skills, etc. to build a drama series, as well as a lot of time.
“Obviously we are investing...
- 11/25/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
A spin-off of High Maintenance, starring Yael Stone, and a comedic crime series from Jungle Entertainment are among the 21 projects that will share in more than $600,000 in story development funding from Screen Australia.
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
- 10/18/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
U.S. TV distributor Dynamic Television has picked up worldwide distribution rights to Australian crime thriller series “Savage River.”
The show, about a female ex-con who is accused of a fresh murder, is directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and stars Katherine Langford.
The 6×57 minute series is co-created by writers Belinda Bradley, Franz Docherty and lead writer Giula Sandler. After being developed and commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the show is produced by Aquarius Films, whose principals Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford also take writing credits.
The production, filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria state, received major production investment from the federal government’s Screen Australia and additional financial support from Film Victoria and The Post Lounge.
The crew is top notch. It includes: Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Don McAlpine; production designer Jo Ford; costume designer Maria Pattison and composer David Hirschfelder.
The story involves a woman who returns to her hometown after eight years in prison.
The show, about a female ex-con who is accused of a fresh murder, is directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and stars Katherine Langford.
The 6×57 minute series is co-created by writers Belinda Bradley, Franz Docherty and lead writer Giula Sandler. After being developed and commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the show is produced by Aquarius Films, whose principals Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford also take writing credits.
The production, filming in Melbourne and regional Victoria state, received major production investment from the federal government’s Screen Australia and additional financial support from Film Victoria and The Post Lounge.
The crew is top notch. It includes: Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Don McAlpine; production designer Jo Ford; costume designer Maria Pattison and composer David Hirschfelder.
The story involves a woman who returns to her hometown after eight years in prison.
- 9/30/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Dunghutti filmmaker Darlene Johnson is the inaugural recipient of Sydney Film Festival and Deutsche Bank’s $20,000 First Nations fellowship.
Aimed at mid-career creatives with a proven track record, the initiative facilitates self-directed professional development or industry placement.
Johnson will work with Aquarius Films to undertake both a producer and director’s attachment, while also developing with the company her own original TV drama concept.
While Johnson forged her early career in documentary with projects like River of No Return and The Redfern Story, in recent years she has shifted back into drama. Her 2015 short film Bluey won Sff’s Event Cinema Australian Short Screenplay Award, and more recently, her directing credits include Aquarius’ Born to Spy, The Heights, Neighbours and Home and Away. She was also in the writer’s room for upcoming Netflix/Peacock drama Irreverent.
For Johnson, the fellowship has come at an opportune time, as she builds her career in long-form narrative.
Aimed at mid-career creatives with a proven track record, the initiative facilitates self-directed professional development or industry placement.
Johnson will work with Aquarius Films to undertake both a producer and director’s attachment, while also developing with the company her own original TV drama concept.
While Johnson forged her early career in documentary with projects like River of No Return and The Redfern Story, in recent years she has shifted back into drama. Her 2015 short film Bluey won Sff’s Event Cinema Australian Short Screenplay Award, and more recently, her directing credits include Aquarius’ Born to Spy, The Heights, Neighbours and Home and Away. She was also in the writer’s room for upcoming Netflix/Peacock drama Irreverent.
For Johnson, the fellowship has come at an opportune time, as she builds her career in long-form narrative.
- 9/6/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Ahead of its screening in competition at France’s Series Mania today, co-producer and distributor About Premium Content (Apc) has inked a series of international sales for Aquarius Films’ The Unusual Suspects across Europe, North America and New Zealand.
The title has sold to Hulu for the US, Bell Media for Canada, streaming service Rialto in New Zealand, Ocs in France, Filmin in Spain, AMC Networks International Southern Europe in Spain and Portugal, and Streamz and Proximus in Belgium.
Originally commissioned by Sbs, The Unusual Suspects is a female-led heist caper starring Miranda Otto, Aina Dumlao and Michelle Vergara Moore.
When a $16 million necklace is taken from self-made businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ (Vergara Moore) home in an elaborate heist, the ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade. With the stakes higher than ever, can the masterminds stop themselves from turning on each other, or will they discover...
The title has sold to Hulu for the US, Bell Media for Canada, streaming service Rialto in New Zealand, Ocs in France, Filmin in Spain, AMC Networks International Southern Europe in Spain and Portugal, and Streamz and Proximus in Belgium.
Originally commissioned by Sbs, The Unusual Suspects is a female-led heist caper starring Miranda Otto, Aina Dumlao and Michelle Vergara Moore.
When a $16 million necklace is taken from self-made businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ (Vergara Moore) home in an elaborate heist, the ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade. With the stakes higher than ever, can the masterminds stop themselves from turning on each other, or will they discover...
- 8/27/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Hulu has acquired U.S. rights to “The Unusual Suspects,” an English-language heist series starring Miranda Otto (“Homeland”), Aina Dumlao (“Ballers”) and Michelle Vergara Moore (“Condor”), which will compete at Series Mania in Lille.
The Australian series is represented in international markets by the Paris-based co-production and distribution banner About Premium Content (Apc), and was produced by Aquarius Films’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Sbs Australia.
Created and co-written by Jessica Redenbach (“Spirited”), “The Unusual Suspects” revolves around women from different walks of life who come together following the elaborate heist of a $16 million necklace which belonged to a self-made businesswoman. The ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade and provides an insight into the immigrant experience in the region.
“‘The Unusual Suspects’ is a fun, female-led drama series which has found an ideal home stateside with our partners at Hulu,” said Laurent Boissel and Emmanuelle Guilbart,...
The Australian series is represented in international markets by the Paris-based co-production and distribution banner About Premium Content (Apc), and was produced by Aquarius Films’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Sbs Australia.
Created and co-written by Jessica Redenbach (“Spirited”), “The Unusual Suspects” revolves around women from different walks of life who come together following the elaborate heist of a $16 million necklace which belonged to a self-made businesswoman. The ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade and provides an insight into the immigrant experience in the region.
“‘The Unusual Suspects’ is a fun, female-led drama series which has found an ideal home stateside with our partners at Hulu,” said Laurent Boissel and Emmanuelle Guilbart,...
- 8/19/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Foxtel has made its first commission specifically for streaming service Binge: six-part drama Love Me from Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia.
Currently shooting across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the adaptation of Swedish series Älska mig looks at modern love experienced by different family members at three distinct times of life.
Leading the cast is Hugo Weaving, acting alongside his co-star in The Tourist, Shalom Brune-Franklin, as well as Bojana Novakovic, Bob Morley, Heather Mitchell, Sarah Peirse, Celia Pacquola, William Lodder, and Mitzi Ruhlmann.
The series marks Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia’s first TV drama production, to be made in association with Aquarius Films. Emma Freeman will direct, while Alison Bell is the lead writer with Leon Ford, Adele Vuko and Blake Ayshford.
Aquarius’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford produce, with WB’s Michael Brooks and Hamish Lewis executive producing. Foxtel Group EPs are Brian Walsh, Alison Hurbert-Burns and Lana Greenhalgh.
Currently shooting across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the adaptation of Swedish series Älska mig looks at modern love experienced by different family members at three distinct times of life.
Leading the cast is Hugo Weaving, acting alongside his co-star in The Tourist, Shalom Brune-Franklin, as well as Bojana Novakovic, Bob Morley, Heather Mitchell, Sarah Peirse, Celia Pacquola, William Lodder, and Mitzi Ruhlmann.
The series marks Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia’s first TV drama production, to be made in association with Aquarius Films. Emma Freeman will direct, while Alison Bell is the lead writer with Leon Ford, Adele Vuko and Blake Ayshford.
Aquarius’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford produce, with WB’s Michael Brooks and Hamish Lewis executive producing. Foxtel Group EPs are Brian Walsh, Alison Hurbert-Burns and Lana Greenhalgh.
- 8/16/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Hugo Weaving heads the diverse cast of “Love Me,” a romantic drama series that is now in production in Melbourne, Australia.
The show explores modern love as experienced by different family members at different stages of life. It is adapted from the Swedish series “Älska Mig,” created by Josephine Bornebusch.
To be presented as a six-part series with 43-minute episodes, the show is directed by celebrated Australian director Emma Freeman with lead writer Alison Bell, and writers Leon Ford, Adele Vuko and Blake Ayshford.
“Love Me” is a Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia production in association with Aquarius Films for the Foxtel Group’s streaming service Binge. Major production investment came from Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria.
Binge is an SVOD service launched in May last year by Foxtel, the News Corp. Australia and Telstra-owned pay-tv service in Australia. It offers on-demand and live entertainment across the lifestyle,...
The show explores modern love as experienced by different family members at different stages of life. It is adapted from the Swedish series “Älska Mig,” created by Josephine Bornebusch.
To be presented as a six-part series with 43-minute episodes, the show is directed by celebrated Australian director Emma Freeman with lead writer Alison Bell, and writers Leon Ford, Adele Vuko and Blake Ayshford.
“Love Me” is a Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia production in association with Aquarius Films for the Foxtel Group’s streaming service Binge. Major production investment came from Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria.
Binge is an SVOD service launched in May last year by Foxtel, the News Corp. Australia and Telstra-owned pay-tv service in Australia. It offers on-demand and live entertainment across the lifestyle,...
- 8/14/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Production company’s credits include ‘Lion’ and ‘Berlin Syndrome’.
Australian production company Aquarius Films has appointed Miranda Culley as its new managing director and Erica Harrison as head of development.
Culley replaces Rachel Okine, who is leaving the company after 18 months to become the new head of features and development at fast-growing Australian streaming service Stan.
Culley, who joins with immediate effect, has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and was most recently executive producer for arts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She previously worked with Rabbit-Proof Fence director Phillip Noyce for eight years, eventually becoming his Australian producing partner,...
Australian production company Aquarius Films has appointed Miranda Culley as its new managing director and Erica Harrison as head of development.
Culley replaces Rachel Okine, who is leaving the company after 18 months to become the new head of features and development at fast-growing Australian streaming service Stan.
Culley, who joins with immediate effect, has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and was most recently executive producer for arts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She previously worked with Rabbit-Proof Fence director Phillip Noyce for eight years, eventually becoming his Australian producing partner,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
There will be a strong Australian contingent at Series Mania in France this year, including Jungle Entertainment’s Wakefield, Aquarius Films’ The Unusual Suspects, Porchlight Films’ Fisk and Lazy Susan Films’ Iggy & Ace.
2020 saw the international TV festival initially forced to cancel outright before moving industry meetings and networking online. This year it returns, after two postponements, as an in-person event in Lille August 26 to September 3, with an accompanying special digital program.
Series Mania Forum, the industry arm of Series Mania, is set for August 30 – September 1.
Dramas Wakefield, commissioned by the ABC, and The Unusual Suspects, by Sbs, will each compete in the Panorama section.
ABC-ordered comedy Fisk, written, directed by and starring Kitty Flanagan, will be shown in the comedy strand, while Iggy and Ace, an upcoming short-form drama series for Sbs On Demand, will make its world premiere in the web series competitive section.
Two other Australian shows...
2020 saw the international TV festival initially forced to cancel outright before moving industry meetings and networking online. This year it returns, after two postponements, as an in-person event in Lille August 26 to September 3, with an accompanying special digital program.
Series Mania Forum, the industry arm of Series Mania, is set for August 30 – September 1.
Dramas Wakefield, commissioned by the ABC, and The Unusual Suspects, by Sbs, will each compete in the Panorama section.
ABC-ordered comedy Fisk, written, directed by and starring Kitty Flanagan, will be shown in the comedy strand, while Iggy and Ace, an upcoming short-form drama series for Sbs On Demand, will make its world premiere in the web series competitive section.
Two other Australian shows...
- 7/1/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Female-led independent production company Aquarius Films has hired Miranda Culley as the company’s new MD and Erica Harrison as head of development, with effect from July 1, 2021.
Culley is replacing Rachel Okine who is leaving Aquarius to become the new head of features and development at Australian streaming service, Stan. Culley has 25 years of experience, including eight years working with Phillip Noyce, stints at Sonar Music and Screen Australia. Most recently, Culley was executive producer for arts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
An experienced development executive, Harrison was previously scripted development manager at Fremantle Media. She has writing credits including short “A Cautionary tail,” three season of Netflix’s “Beat Bugs,” two seasons of the Netflix original “Motown Magic” and “The Unboxing” the first scripted comedy series commissioned by Facebook Watch outside the U.S.
The company’s current slate incudes: TV series “Fight Like a Girl”; feature film “Most...
Culley is replacing Rachel Okine who is leaving Aquarius to become the new head of features and development at Australian streaming service, Stan. Culley has 25 years of experience, including eight years working with Phillip Noyce, stints at Sonar Music and Screen Australia. Most recently, Culley was executive producer for arts at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
An experienced development executive, Harrison was previously scripted development manager at Fremantle Media. She has writing credits including short “A Cautionary tail,” three season of Netflix’s “Beat Bugs,” two seasons of the Netflix original “Motown Magic” and “The Unboxing” the first scripted comedy series commissioned by Facebook Watch outside the U.S.
The company’s current slate incudes: TV series “Fight Like a Girl”; feature film “Most...
- 7/1/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Miranda Culley will be the next managing director of Aquarius Films, succeeding Rachel Okine who is departing the production company to be Stan’s head of features and development executive.
Aquarius has also hired Erica Harrison as head of development, with both roles taking immediate effect. Both will report to Aquarius Films co-founders Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
In her role, Culley will be responsible for driving new business opportunities and financing models. With the founders she will strategise the company direction, steer the company through the next stages of growth, and handle strategic partnerships.
The executive brings to the business 25 years of experience working across development, production, financing, commissioning, and policy.
Most recently, Culley worked as executive producer, arts at the ABC. There, she formed creative partnerships with the National Gallery of Australia to raise awareness of Australian women creatives via the #knowmyname campaign, and Madman Entertainment, to promote...
Aquarius has also hired Erica Harrison as head of development, with both roles taking immediate effect. Both will report to Aquarius Films co-founders Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
In her role, Culley will be responsible for driving new business opportunities and financing models. With the founders she will strategise the company direction, steer the company through the next stages of growth, and handle strategic partnerships.
The executive brings to the business 25 years of experience working across development, production, financing, commissioning, and policy.
Most recently, Culley worked as executive producer, arts at the ABC. There, she formed creative partnerships with the National Gallery of Australia to raise awareness of Australian women creatives via the #knowmyname campaign, and Madman Entertainment, to promote...
- 6/30/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Australian indie producer Aquarius Films is to develop and produce a comedy drama series adapted from the acclaimed feminist manifesto book “Fight Like A Girl.”
The book, a memoir and expose of how unequal the world continues to be for women, was published in 2016 by feminist writer and online sensation Clementine Ford. It earned Ford the Matt Richell Award for new writer of the year, a prize given by Australian Book Industry Awards.
The story charts the political awakening of 15-year-old future feminist icon on the suburban grounds of her 1990s high school as she attempts to rally those around her to the cause. She soon discovers that her message will be met with opposition every step of the way, and she must choose between fitting in or fighting for a future world she wants to live in.
Aquarius is planning a six-part TV series adaptation with episodes of 30 minutes each,...
The book, a memoir and expose of how unequal the world continues to be for women, was published in 2016 by feminist writer and online sensation Clementine Ford. It earned Ford the Matt Richell Award for new writer of the year, a prize given by Australian Book Industry Awards.
The story charts the political awakening of 15-year-old future feminist icon on the suburban grounds of her 1990s high school as she attempts to rally those around her to the cause. She soon discovers that her message will be met with opposition every step of the way, and she must choose between fitting in or fighting for a future world she wants to live in.
Aquarius is planning a six-part TV series adaptation with episodes of 30 minutes each,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Aquarius Films’ Sydney-set heist caper The Unusual Suspects will premiere June 3 at 8:30pm on Sbs and Sbs On Demand, with all episodes available to stream at the same time of the premiere.
When a $16 million necklace is taken from a self-made businesswoman’s home, the ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade. With the stakes higher than ever, can the masterminds stop themselves from turning on each other, or will they discover a friendship worth more than diamonds?
Aina Dumlao, Miranda Otto and Michelle Vergara Moore headline the ensemble cast, alongside Peter O’Brien, Toby Leonard Moore, Matt Day, Lena Cruz, Susana Downes, Ari Boyland, Heather Mitchell, James Lugton, Renee Lim, Susie Porter, Sandy Gore, Megan Smart and Andrea Demetriades. Miguel Castro, Darcey O’Brien, Emma Cleland, Liam Cleland, Blake Santos, Avery Santos and Danielle David will also appear in their first major television roles.
The series...
When a $16 million necklace is taken from a self-made businesswoman’s home, the ensuing police investigation exposes cracks in Eastern Sydney’s sparkling façade. With the stakes higher than ever, can the masterminds stop themselves from turning on each other, or will they discover a friendship worth more than diamonds?
Aina Dumlao, Miranda Otto and Michelle Vergara Moore headline the ensemble cast, alongside Peter O’Brien, Toby Leonard Moore, Matt Day, Lena Cruz, Susana Downes, Ari Boyland, Heather Mitchell, James Lugton, Renee Lim, Susie Porter, Sandy Gore, Megan Smart and Andrea Demetriades. Miguel Castro, Darcey O’Brien, Emma Cleland, Liam Cleland, Blake Santos, Avery Santos and Danielle David will also appear in their first major television roles.
The series...
- 4/30/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The young stars of ABC Me comedy-action series Parent Up have been unveiled as production gets underway in Sydney.
The story follows Yu Na and Min Park, two siblings that crave more excitement in their lives but get more than they bargained for when they discover their once unremarkable parents are actually international spies and have disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
Newcomers Hannah Kim and Ocean Lim will star as Yu Na and Min, respectively, with Lulu Quirk, George Holahan-Cantwell, Alex Kis, and Eduard Geyl on board as their group of friends that unwittingly get caught up in the action.
Danny Kim, Julia Yon, and Nicholas Hope will also star.
Justine Flynn created the 10-part series, which she wrote with Tiffany Zehnal, Tristram Baumber, Michelle Lim Davidson, Melissa Lee Speyer, Undi Lee, David Park, Alice McCredie-Dando, Sophia Cheung, and Hyun Lee.
The series is produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films,...
The story follows Yu Na and Min Park, two siblings that crave more excitement in their lives but get more than they bargained for when they discover their once unremarkable parents are actually international spies and have disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
Newcomers Hannah Kim and Ocean Lim will star as Yu Na and Min, respectively, with Lulu Quirk, George Holahan-Cantwell, Alex Kis, and Eduard Geyl on board as their group of friends that unwittingly get caught up in the action.
Danny Kim, Julia Yon, and Nicholas Hope will also star.
Justine Flynn created the 10-part series, which she wrote with Tiffany Zehnal, Tristram Baumber, Michelle Lim Davidson, Melissa Lee Speyer, Undi Lee, David Park, Alice McCredie-Dando, Sophia Cheung, and Hyun Lee.
The series is produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
The series is based on Amanda Bridgeman’s novel of the same name.
Australian production company Aquarius Films is partnering with US firm Anonymous Content on The Subjugate, a sci-fi crime thriller series based on Amanda Bridgeman’s 2018 novel of the same name.
Aquarius has picked up the development and production rights to the book; Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce for Aquarius, with Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous.
The Subjugate is set in 2040, when a series of murders sends shockwaves through the religious, technology-avoiding community of Bountiful. Two homicide detectives are sent to investigate obvious suspects...
Australian production company Aquarius Films is partnering with US firm Anonymous Content on The Subjugate, a sci-fi crime thriller series based on Amanda Bridgeman’s 2018 novel of the same name.
Aquarius has picked up the development and production rights to the book; Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce for Aquarius, with Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous.
The Subjugate is set in 2040, when a series of murders sends shockwaves through the religious, technology-avoiding community of Bountiful. Two homicide detectives are sent to investigate obvious suspects...
- 3/31/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Australia’s Aquarius Films has joined with the U.S.’s Anonymous Content to produce a futuristic crime thriller series “The Subjugate.” The series is an adaptation of a book of the same title by Amanda Bridgeman.
The story follows a pair of detectives who, in 2040, are called on to investigate a series of murders in a religious community which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. The obvious suspects are formerly violent offenders who have been turned into servants, but the town’s puritan citizens are also hostile and keen to avoid having their society and its institutions probed.
The original novel was published in 2018 by Angry Robot Books, and is the first part of a planned trilogy. The second book, “The Sensation” was released worldwide in October 2020 through Angry Robot Books (U.K.). Bridgeman is currently working on the final book in the series.
Aquarius...
The story follows a pair of detectives who, in 2040, are called on to investigate a series of murders in a religious community which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. The obvious suspects are formerly violent offenders who have been turned into servants, but the town’s puritan citizens are also hostile and keen to avoid having their society and its institutions probed.
The original novel was published in 2018 by Angry Robot Books, and is the first part of a planned trilogy. The second book, “The Sensation” was released worldwide in October 2020 through Angry Robot Books (U.K.). Bridgeman is currently working on the final book in the series.
Aquarius...
- 3/31/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Aquarius Films and Anonymous Content will partner to produce dystopian sci-fi crime thriller The Subjugate, based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Bridgeman.
Planned as a long-format series, The Subjugate is set in 2040 and follows a number of murders that send shockwaves through the religious community of Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. The obvious suspects are ‘The Subjugates’, violent offenders who are transformed into town servants, known as Serenes at the Solme Complex.
Sent from the city to investigate the crimes, two homicide detectives are met with open hostility. Everyone has a motive and the frustrated detectives begin to crack under the pressure. As their mutual mistrust builds, they set out on parallel investigations.
Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content. The producers are currently in talks with...
Planned as a long-format series, The Subjugate is set in 2040 and follows a number of murders that send shockwaves through the religious community of Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. The obvious suspects are ‘The Subjugates’, violent offenders who are transformed into town servants, known as Serenes at the Solme Complex.
Sent from the city to investigate the crimes, two homicide detectives are met with open hostility. Everyone has a motive and the frustrated detectives begin to crack under the pressure. As their mutual mistrust builds, they set out on parallel investigations.
Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content. The producers are currently in talks with...
- 3/31/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Aquarius Films has acquired development and production rights to dystopian sci-fi thriller novel The Subjugate and is teaming with Anonymous Content to produce a TV adaptation.
Written by award winner Amanda Bridgeman, the Subjugates book series is set in 2040, watching as a series of murders sends shockwaves through the religious community of Bountiful. Heading to the city to investigate the crimes are two homicide detectives, who are met with little other than open hostility. While the obvious suspects are “The Subjugates”—violent offenders who are turned into town servants, known as Serenes—unsettling wrinkles in the case emerge, as the detectives set out on parallel investigations.
Aquarius Films founders Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce the long-format series, along with Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham of Anonymous Content.
“The Subjugate explores topical themes of rehabilitation, recidivism and advancing technology in a captivating near-future science fiction thriller and is perfect...
Written by award winner Amanda Bridgeman, the Subjugates book series is set in 2040, watching as a series of murders sends shockwaves through the religious community of Bountiful. Heading to the city to investigate the crimes are two homicide detectives, who are met with little other than open hostility. While the obvious suspects are “The Subjugates”—violent offenders who are turned into town servants, known as Serenes—unsettling wrinkles in the case emerge, as the detectives set out on parallel investigations.
Aquarius Films founders Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce the long-format series, along with Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham of Anonymous Content.
“The Subjugate explores topical themes of rehabilitation, recidivism and advancing technology in a captivating near-future science fiction thriller and is perfect...
- 3/31/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Anonymous Content and Aquarius Films have joined forces to produce the sci-fi crime thriller series The Subjugate, based on the popular novel of the same name by Australian author Amanda Bridgeman.
The long-format series will be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content.
Published by Angry Robot Books, The Subjugate is set in the year 2040 in a religious community dubbed The Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. After a series of murders take place in the town, the obvious suspects are The Subjugates,...
The long-format series will be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content.
Published by Angry Robot Books, The Subjugate is set in the year 2040 in a religious community dubbed The Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. After a series of murders take place in the town, the obvious suspects are The Subjugates,...
- 3/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Anonymous Content and Aquarius Films have joined forces to produce the sci-fi crime thriller series The Subjugate, based on the popular novel of the same name by Australian author Amanda Bridgeman.
The long-format series will be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content.
Published by Angry Robot Books, The Subjugate is set in the year 2040 in a religious community dubbed The Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. After a series of murders take place in the town, the obvious suspects are The Subjugates,...
The long-format series will be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford for Aquarius Films and Luke Rivett and Ryan Cunningham for Anonymous Content.
Published by Angry Robot Books, The Subjugate is set in the year 2040 in a religious community dubbed The Bountiful, which has turned its back on technology and the modern world. After a series of murders take place in the town, the obvious suspects are The Subjugates,...
- 3/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aquarius Films and Dollhouse Pictures will jointly develop and produce The Geography of Friendship, a 6 x 1 hour limited series based on Sally Piper’s novel by the same name.
To be adapted by Giula Sandler, the story follows three female school friends in past and present timeframes. When a hike celebrating the end of school culminates in a violent confrontation, the trio go their separate ways and remain estranged until decades later when they reunite to retrace their steps, seeking closure, connection and redemption.
Piper’s novel was shortlisted for the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards and published by University of Queensland Press and by Legend Press in the UK.
Aquarius’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce, alongside Dollhouse’s Jessica Carrera with Rose Byrne executive producing. Gracie Otto is attached to direct, and writer Krew Boylan, Aquarius and Dollhouse will round out the development and production team with further attachments.
To be adapted by Giula Sandler, the story follows three female school friends in past and present timeframes. When a hike celebrating the end of school culminates in a violent confrontation, the trio go their separate ways and remain estranged until decades later when they reunite to retrace their steps, seeking closure, connection and redemption.
Piper’s novel was shortlisted for the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards and published by University of Queensland Press and by Legend Press in the UK.
Aquarius’ Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford will produce, alongside Dollhouse’s Jessica Carrera with Rose Byrne executive producing. Gracie Otto is attached to direct, and writer Krew Boylan, Aquarius and Dollhouse will round out the development and production team with further attachments.
- 3/9/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Rose Byrne’s Dollhouse Pictures has joined forces with Australia’s Aquarius Films to develop Sally Piper’s best-selling-novel “The Geography of Friendship” as a limited TV series. The deal, announced on International Women’s Day, represents the coming together of two female-led production houses.
“Geography” is psychological thriller which sees three female friends return to the scene of a fateful hike they took together decades earlier. While they originally set out for an adventure in the bush, it became clear that they were not alone. On returning years later, each woman has to make life-changing choices and reexamine the actions which caused the friends’ estrangement.
“Geography” will be adapted as a 6-part show with episodes of one hour each by Giula Sandler (HBO Max’s “White House Farm”). Dollhouse’s Gracie Otto (Stan’s “Bump” and “The Other Guy”) is attached to direct. Writer Krew Boylan (“Simply Red”), Aquarius...
“Geography” is psychological thriller which sees three female friends return to the scene of a fateful hike they took together decades earlier. While they originally set out for an adventure in the bush, it became clear that they were not alone. On returning years later, each woman has to make life-changing choices and reexamine the actions which caused the friends’ estrangement.
“Geography” will be adapted as a 6-part show with episodes of one hour each by Giula Sandler (HBO Max’s “White House Farm”). Dollhouse’s Gracie Otto (Stan’s “Bump” and “The Other Guy”) is attached to direct. Writer Krew Boylan (“Simply Red”), Aquarius...
- 3/9/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Australian independent producer Aquarius Films is setting up timely female-led drama film “Most Admired Woman,” about a nurse who took a life-saving treatment to America during the early 20th century polio epidemic, and defied her critics.
The film is an adaptation of biography “Sister Kenny: The Woman Who Challenged the Doctors,” written by science writer Victor Cohn. Rising writing talent Becca Johnstone (“Bayou”) has adapted the book into a screenplay. A director has not yet been attached.
The movie is now being set up as an Aquarius Films and Decade Films production, to be produced by Angie Fielder (“Lion”) and Polly Staniford (“Berlin Syndrome”) for Aquarius Films and Ray Quint (“Bastard Boys”) and Andrew Handelsmann (“Circle of Lies”) for Decade Films. “Most Admired Woman” is being developed with assistance from regional film body Screen Nsw.
Said Aquarius about the film: “Scoffed at by the patriarchal medical fraternity, Elizabeth Kenny rails against her detractors,...
The film is an adaptation of biography “Sister Kenny: The Woman Who Challenged the Doctors,” written by science writer Victor Cohn. Rising writing talent Becca Johnstone (“Bayou”) has adapted the book into a screenplay. A director has not yet been attached.
The movie is now being set up as an Aquarius Films and Decade Films production, to be produced by Angie Fielder (“Lion”) and Polly Staniford (“Berlin Syndrome”) for Aquarius Films and Ray Quint (“Bastard Boys”) and Andrew Handelsmann (“Circle of Lies”) for Decade Films. “Most Admired Woman” is being developed with assistance from regional film body Screen Nsw.
Said Aquarius about the film: “Scoffed at by the patriarchal medical fraternity, Elizabeth Kenny rails against her detractors,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The ABC has commissioned two new live-action children’s series, Aquarius Films’ Parent Up and Fremantle Australia’s The Pm’s Daughter.
Both supported by Screen Australia, the series will go into production this year, joining MaveriX, Itch season 2 and Hardball season 2 on ABC Me’s narrative drama slate.
A comedy action series for 8-13 year olds, Parent Up is created and executive produced by Justine Flynn (The Unlisted). It follows Yu Na and Min Park, who want more excitement in their lives. However, they don’t realise just how crazy their lives will become when they discover their once unremarkable parents are actually international spies and have disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
Writing with Flynn are Michelle Lim Davidson, Andrew Lee, Tiffany Zehnal, Melissa Lee Speyer, Tristram Baumber, Sophia Chung, Hyun Lee, Alice McCredie-Dando and David Park.
Directors will include Nick Verso, Chase Lee, Hyun Lee, Darlene Johnson, Neil Sharma and Flynn.
Both supported by Screen Australia, the series will go into production this year, joining MaveriX, Itch season 2 and Hardball season 2 on ABC Me’s narrative drama slate.
A comedy action series for 8-13 year olds, Parent Up is created and executive produced by Justine Flynn (The Unlisted). It follows Yu Na and Min Park, who want more excitement in their lives. However, they don’t realise just how crazy their lives will become when they discover their once unremarkable parents are actually international spies and have disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
Writing with Flynn are Michelle Lim Davidson, Andrew Lee, Tiffany Zehnal, Melissa Lee Speyer, Tristram Baumber, Sophia Chung, Hyun Lee, Alice McCredie-Dando and David Park.
Directors will include Nick Verso, Chase Lee, Hyun Lee, Darlene Johnson, Neil Sharma and Flynn.
- 2/25/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Sbs unveiled its largest ever local drama slate at its upfronts today, including a new four-part crime series from Bunya Productions and Caama, Copping it Black, to be directed by Erica Glynn and Steven McGregor.
Next year will also see the broadcaster air a hefty roster of local unscripted projects, including the seven one-off docs produced via the Australia Uncovered initiative, and landmark factual series covering off on topics such as domestic violence, adult literacy, disability, ageism and obesity.
Goalpost’s gold rush drama New Gold Mountain, delayed due to Covid-19, is now underway in Victoria, with Yoson An, Alyssa Sutherland, Christopher James Baker, Dan Spielman, and Mabel Li toplining the cast.
Set in the Bendigo Goldfields in 1855, it follows the charismatic headman of the Chinese mining camp who suddenly finds himself struggling to maintain the fragile harmony between Chinese and European diggers and authorities when a murdered European woman...
Next year will also see the broadcaster air a hefty roster of local unscripted projects, including the seven one-off docs produced via the Australia Uncovered initiative, and landmark factual series covering off on topics such as domestic violence, adult literacy, disability, ageism and obesity.
Goalpost’s gold rush drama New Gold Mountain, delayed due to Covid-19, is now underway in Victoria, with Yoson An, Alyssa Sutherland, Christopher James Baker, Dan Spielman, and Mabel Li toplining the cast.
Set in the Bendigo Goldfields in 1855, it follows the charismatic headman of the Chinese mining camp who suddenly finds himself struggling to maintain the fragile harmony between Chinese and European diggers and authorities when a murdered European woman...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Screen Producers Australia has named the members of its two advisory boards for the upcoming Screen Forever conference.
The programming advisory board, made up of a group of producers, directors and writers, will help set the strategic direction for the February event, aiding in the creation of a program that will reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the wake of the pandemic.
This year, Spa has also enlisted the help of a market and financing advisory board for the first time, comprised of representatives from broadcasters and screen organisations across Australia, Canada and the United States. The aim is to maximise the global business opportunities available to delegates at the Spa Connect market.
“After such an unprecedented year, having the guidance of two dynamic and multi-disciplined boards who will focus on the key pillars of Screen Forever – discovery and deal-making – will no doubt pay dividends for our delegates,...
The programming advisory board, made up of a group of producers, directors and writers, will help set the strategic direction for the February event, aiding in the creation of a program that will reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the wake of the pandemic.
This year, Spa has also enlisted the help of a market and financing advisory board for the first time, comprised of representatives from broadcasters and screen organisations across Australia, Canada and the United States. The aim is to maximise the global business opportunities available to delegates at the Spa Connect market.
“After such an unprecedented year, having the guidance of two dynamic and multi-disciplined boards who will focus on the key pillars of Screen Forever – discovery and deal-making – will no doubt pay dividends for our delegates,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
(L-r) Michelle Vergara Moore, Miranda Otto and Aina Dumlao.
Filipino-born US star Aina Dumlao, Miranda Otto and Michelle Vergara Moore are playing the leads in The Unusual Suspects, Aquarius Films’ four-part heist comedy for Sbs which is now shooting in Sydney.
Scripted by Jessica Redenbach (Spirited), Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys) and Vonne Patiag, with Margarett Cortez as script consultant, the tale of female friendship and empowerment is set in Sydney’s ritzy Eastern Suburbs.
When a $10 million necklace is taken in an elaborate heist from the home of self-made Filipino businesswoman Roxanne Waters, women from vastly different walks of life come together to ensure justice is served.
The directors are Emmy Award-winning Natalie Bailey and Melvin Montalban in his TV debut.
The Melbourne-born Vergara Moore, whose parents are Filipino, plays Roxanne, with her real-life partner Toby Leonard Moore as Roxanne’s husband Jordan.
Both appeared in Condor, the thriller series...
Filipino-born US star Aina Dumlao, Miranda Otto and Michelle Vergara Moore are playing the leads in The Unusual Suspects, Aquarius Films’ four-part heist comedy for Sbs which is now shooting in Sydney.
Scripted by Jessica Redenbach (Spirited), Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys) and Vonne Patiag, with Margarett Cortez as script consultant, the tale of female friendship and empowerment is set in Sydney’s ritzy Eastern Suburbs.
When a $10 million necklace is taken in an elaborate heist from the home of self-made Filipino businesswoman Roxanne Waters, women from vastly different walks of life come together to ensure justice is served.
The directors are Emmy Award-winning Natalie Bailey and Melvin Montalban in his TV debut.
The Melbourne-born Vergara Moore, whose parents are Filipino, plays Roxanne, with her real-life partner Toby Leonard Moore as Roxanne’s husband Jordan.
Both appeared in Condor, the thriller series...
- 9/28/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Female-led caper mini-series “The Unusual Suspects” has begin filming in Sydney this week. The four-part series, which also highlights Australia’s ethnic diversity, is being produced for publicly-funded broadcaster Sbs.
Set in the upmarket eastern suburbs of Sydney, the story features the theft of a multi-million-dollar necklace and the women from different walks of life who come together to ensure that justice is served.
The cast is headlined by Miranda Otto as well as Filipina-American actress Aina Dumlao, and Michelle Vergara Moore.
The series is written by Jessica Redenbach, Roger Monk and Vonne Patiag, with Margarett Cortez as script consultant. It is directed by Emmy Award-winning Natalie Bailey and Melvin Montalban.
“Suspects” is produced by award-winning filmmaking duo Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford. Vonne Patiag (“Halal Gurls”) is associate producer, while executive production credit goes to Sbs’s acting head of scripted, Amanda Duthie.
It has major production investment from...
Set in the upmarket eastern suburbs of Sydney, the story features the theft of a multi-million-dollar necklace and the women from different walks of life who come together to ensure that justice is served.
The cast is headlined by Miranda Otto as well as Filipina-American actress Aina Dumlao, and Michelle Vergara Moore.
The series is written by Jessica Redenbach, Roger Monk and Vonne Patiag, with Margarett Cortez as script consultant. It is directed by Emmy Award-winning Natalie Bailey and Melvin Montalban.
“Suspects” is produced by award-winning filmmaking duo Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford. Vonne Patiag (“Halal Gurls”) is associate producer, while executive production credit goes to Sbs’s acting head of scripted, Amanda Duthie.
It has major production investment from...
- 9/28/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Roster of participants includes 44 female producers out of 73 in total.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
- 9/1/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Roster of participants includes 44 female producers out of 73 in total.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
- 9/1/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Roster of participants includes 44 female producers out of 73 in total.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
The latest projects from producers of French Exit and The Babadook are among the roster at the virtual 15th Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (iff) set to run from September 13-14.
The co-financing and co-production market takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects.
The two-day schedule includes networking opportunities for producers with international sales agents, financiers, distributors, agents, and executive producers, as well as an exclusive state-of-the-industry panel discussion, producer drop-in sessions, and access to a TIFF case study on co-productions.
- 9/1/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Roger Monk.
When screenwriter Roger Monk was offered a gig on the Aquarius Films/Sbs crime caper The Unusual Suspects, he seized the opportunity to channel his favourite film, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
Tonally he saw similarities with Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning 1988 black comedy-drama about a woman who embarks on a strange journey to try to discover why lover suddenly left her without any explanation.
Set in Sydney’s affluent Eastern suburbs, The Unusual Suspects revolves around the theft of a $10 million necklace from self-made Filipino businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ home during her twins’ birthday party,
The suspects include including socialite Sara Beasley, whose life is crumbling fast, and her long-suffering nanny, Evie De La Rosa, a godmother of sorts for other Filipino domestic workers.
“The show is about female frenemies, disparate characters who come together through circumstance and become friends,” Monk tell If.
Producers Angie Fielder...
When screenwriter Roger Monk was offered a gig on the Aquarius Films/Sbs crime caper The Unusual Suspects, he seized the opportunity to channel his favourite film, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.
Tonally he saw similarities with Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning 1988 black comedy-drama about a woman who embarks on a strange journey to try to discover why lover suddenly left her without any explanation.
Set in Sydney’s affluent Eastern suburbs, The Unusual Suspects revolves around the theft of a $10 million necklace from self-made Filipino businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ home during her twins’ birthday party,
The suspects include including socialite Sara Beasley, whose life is crumbling fast, and her long-suffering nanny, Evie De La Rosa, a godmother of sorts for other Filipino domestic workers.
“The show is about female frenemies, disparate characters who come together through circumstance and become friends,” Monk tell If.
Producers Angie Fielder...
- 8/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Melvin Montalban and Natalie Bailey.
Short films, music videos and Tvc director Melvin Montalban will make his TV debut on The Unusual Suspects, Aquarius Films’ four-part heist caper commissioned by Sbs.
Natalie Bailey, whose recent credits include helming three episodes of Avenue 5, Armando Iannucci’s HBO comedy starring Hugh Laurie and Run, an HBO series starring and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, will direct the other two episodes.
Scripted by Vonne Patiag (Halal Gurls), Jessica Redenbach and Roger Monk and set in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, the plot revolves around the theft of a $10 million necklace from self-made Filipina businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ home during her twins’ birthday party,
The ensuing police investigation exposes hidden rivalries, shady business deals and forbidden affairs. No one is safe from suspicion, including socialite Sara Beasley whose life is crumbling fast, and her long-suffering nanny, Evie De La Rosa, a godmother of sorts for other Filipino domestic workers.
Short films, music videos and Tvc director Melvin Montalban will make his TV debut on The Unusual Suspects, Aquarius Films’ four-part heist caper commissioned by Sbs.
Natalie Bailey, whose recent credits include helming three episodes of Avenue 5, Armando Iannucci’s HBO comedy starring Hugh Laurie and Run, an HBO series starring and executive produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, will direct the other two episodes.
Scripted by Vonne Patiag (Halal Gurls), Jessica Redenbach and Roger Monk and set in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, the plot revolves around the theft of a $10 million necklace from self-made Filipina businesswoman Roxanne Waters’ home during her twins’ birthday party,
The ensuing police investigation exposes hidden rivalries, shady business deals and forbidden affairs. No one is safe from suspicion, including socialite Sara Beasley whose life is crumbling fast, and her long-suffering nanny, Evie De La Rosa, a godmother of sorts for other Filipino domestic workers.
- 8/16/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Rachel Okine.
Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford’s Aquarius Films has stepped up its feature film and TV drama development slate, collaborating with such creatives as Justine Flynn, Del Kathryn Barton and Huna Amweero, Clementine Ford, Anya Beyersdorf, Roger Monk and Rhys Graham.
The production company gained momentum after hiring former eOne and Hopscotch Features executive Rachel Okine in the newly created role of managing director.
Okine joined in March, just as the pandemic struck. After a pause when, she says, Aquarius’ focus on growth switched to survival mode, the development pace picked up.
The Unusual Suspects, a four-part crime caper for Sbs co-funded by Screen Australia starts pre-production next week. A whodunit set in the Filipino domestic worker community in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, it’s scripted by Jessica Redenbach, Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys) and Vonne Patiag (Halal Gurls).
Parent Up, a Korean/Australian kids spy comedy, is in...
Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford’s Aquarius Films has stepped up its feature film and TV drama development slate, collaborating with such creatives as Justine Flynn, Del Kathryn Barton and Huna Amweero, Clementine Ford, Anya Beyersdorf, Roger Monk and Rhys Graham.
The production company gained momentum after hiring former eOne and Hopscotch Features executive Rachel Okine in the newly created role of managing director.
Okine joined in March, just as the pandemic struck. After a pause when, she says, Aquarius’ focus on growth switched to survival mode, the development pace picked up.
The Unusual Suspects, a four-part crime caper for Sbs co-funded by Screen Australia starts pre-production next week. A whodunit set in the Filipino domestic worker community in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, it’s scripted by Jessica Redenbach, Roger Monk (Nowhere Boys) and Vonne Patiag (Halal Gurls).
Parent Up, a Korean/Australian kids spy comedy, is in...
- 8/6/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Guy Pearce and Jeffrey Walker.
Guy Pearce is bemused when asked how he will cope when he makes his feature film directing debut on Poor Boy, a paranormal mystery-drama about a man who inhabits a child’s body.
The actor points to the experience he gained from working in 60 films and TV shows and learning from such legendary directors as Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Curtis Hanson and Todd Haynes.
The qualities he most values are being able to communicate – and staying calm and level-headed.
“I have seen people on sets who are fairly hot-headed and it often doesn’t end well,” Pearce told his close mate Jeffrey Walker, who directed him in Jack Irish, in an Australians in Film webinar today.
Written by Matt Cameron and based on his play of the same name, Poor Boy follows a boy who announces to his family on his seventh birthday that he...
Guy Pearce is bemused when asked how he will cope when he makes his feature film directing debut on Poor Boy, a paranormal mystery-drama about a man who inhabits a child’s body.
The actor points to the experience he gained from working in 60 films and TV shows and learning from such legendary directors as Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Curtis Hanson and Todd Haynes.
The qualities he most values are being able to communicate – and staying calm and level-headed.
“I have seen people on sets who are fairly hot-headed and it often doesn’t end well,” Pearce told his close mate Jeffrey Walker, who directed him in Jack Irish, in an Australians in Film webinar today.
Written by Matt Cameron and based on his play of the same name, Poor Boy follows a boy who announces to his family on his seventh birthday that he...
- 5/27/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Gregor Jordan on the set of ‘Dirt Music’. (Photo: Kerry Brown)
Once cinemas reopen, Universal Pictures intends to give Dirt Music a wide release – something director Gregor Jordan is thankful for.
Shot in Western Australia and based on Tim Winton’s Miles Franklin-winning novel, the film made its world at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
It stars Kelly Macdonald as Georgie, a sometime sailor, diver and nurse who is stranded in a remote fishing town with Jim (David Wenham), a man she doesn’t love, and his young sons whose dead mother she can never replace. A reckless moment leads Georgie to an intense, sexually charged affair with Lu Fox (Garrett Hedlund), an enigmatic loner, musician and poacher who is traumatised by a tragic accident from his past.
When Lu retreats into the wilderness, Georgie embarks on a journey to bring him back with the unlikely help of Jim,...
Once cinemas reopen, Universal Pictures intends to give Dirt Music a wide release – something director Gregor Jordan is thankful for.
Shot in Western Australia and based on Tim Winton’s Miles Franklin-winning novel, the film made its world at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
It stars Kelly Macdonald as Georgie, a sometime sailor, diver and nurse who is stranded in a remote fishing town with Jim (David Wenham), a man she doesn’t love, and his young sons whose dead mother she can never replace. A reckless moment leads Georgie to an intense, sexually charged affair with Lu Fox (Garrett Hedlund), an enigmatic loner, musician and poacher who is traumatised by a tragic accident from his past.
When Lu retreats into the wilderness, Georgie embarks on a journey to bring him back with the unlikely help of Jim,...
- 5/21/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Baz Luhrmann.
A new feature film from Baz Luhrmann, set in a small Australian country town, is among the 18 projects to recently receive story development funding from Screen Australia.
The agency announced today it will share $620,000 between 11 films, five TV series and two online projects.
These projects come from both the existing Premium and Generate development funds. Generate Fund is for lower budget projects with an emphasis on new and emerging talent, or experienced talent wanting to take creative risks. The Premium Fund is for higher budget projects of ambition and scale from successful screen content makers.
Projects pitched for Premium Plus funds – the additional development funding the agency announced in response to Covid-19 – are still being assessed.
Screen Australia head of development Nerida Moore said: “With many productions temporarily halted it is more important than ever for us to support the development of Australian stories for all platforms. I...
A new feature film from Baz Luhrmann, set in a small Australian country town, is among the 18 projects to recently receive story development funding from Screen Australia.
The agency announced today it will share $620,000 between 11 films, five TV series and two online projects.
These projects come from both the existing Premium and Generate development funds. Generate Fund is for lower budget projects with an emphasis on new and emerging talent, or experienced talent wanting to take creative risks. The Premium Fund is for higher budget projects of ambition and scale from successful screen content makers.
Projects pitched for Premium Plus funds – the additional development funding the agency announced in response to Covid-19 – are still being assessed.
Screen Australia head of development Nerida Moore said: “With many productions temporarily halted it is more important than ever for us to support the development of Australian stories for all platforms. I...
- 5/12/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Joel Edgerton will produce and star in Thomas M Wright’s ‘The Unknown Man’.
Amid turbulent times for the sector, Screen Australia has some positive news, announcing production funding for three feature films, four television series, a children’s series and two online projects.
Overall, the projects, including Thomas M Wright’s The Unknown Man, produced by See-Saw Films and Anonymous Content, and starring Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris, will share in $8.5 million of production funding.
Other projects include family drama The Midwife from Playmaker Media for Nine; a comedy created by Kitty Flanagan called Entitled for the ABC, and the debut feature film from artist Del Kathryn Barton, Puff, produced by Causeway Films.
“We’re blown away by the projects in this slate and it’s great to see such a wide range of genres. I am particularly delighted to support Puff, the directorial debut of renowned artist Del Kathryn Barton,...
Amid turbulent times for the sector, Screen Australia has some positive news, announcing production funding for three feature films, four television series, a children’s series and two online projects.
Overall, the projects, including Thomas M Wright’s The Unknown Man, produced by See-Saw Films and Anonymous Content, and starring Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris, will share in $8.5 million of production funding.
Other projects include family drama The Midwife from Playmaker Media for Nine; a comedy created by Kitty Flanagan called Entitled for the ABC, and the debut feature film from artist Del Kathryn Barton, Puff, produced by Causeway Films.
“We’re blown away by the projects in this slate and it’s great to see such a wide range of genres. I am particularly delighted to support Puff, the directorial debut of renowned artist Del Kathryn Barton,...
- 4/20/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Rachel Okine.
Aquarius Films has appointed former eOne and Hopscotch Features executive Rachel Okine in the newly created role of managing director.
Okine joins the production company founded by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford after spending two years as London-based head of acquisitions for Stx International.
Previously she was Paris-based VP of international production and acquisitions for Studiocanal.
Based in Sydney, her remit will be to drive the company’s growth as it aims to produce 3-5 projects annually and to manage its partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, the ABC and Sbs as well as seeking new partners.
The development slate includes feature adaptations of Matt Okine’s debut novel Being Black ‘n Chicken, and Chips, based loosely on his pubescent years and the loss of his mother Roslyn to breast cancer when he was 12; Dominic Smith’s New York Times best-seller The Last Painting of Sara De Vos,...
Aquarius Films has appointed former eOne and Hopscotch Features executive Rachel Okine in the newly created role of managing director.
Okine joins the production company founded by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford after spending two years as London-based head of acquisitions for Stx International.
Previously she was Paris-based VP of international production and acquisitions for Studiocanal.
Based in Sydney, her remit will be to drive the company’s growth as it aims to produce 3-5 projects annually and to manage its partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, the ABC and Sbs as well as seeking new partners.
The development slate includes feature adaptations of Matt Okine’s debut novel Being Black ‘n Chicken, and Chips, based loosely on his pubescent years and the loss of his mother Roslyn to breast cancer when he was 12; Dominic Smith’s New York Times best-seller The Last Painting of Sara De Vos,...
- 2/6/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Aquarius Films, the Sydney-based production company that has credits including 2019 Tiff pic Dirt Music and Garth Davis’ Oscar-nominated Lion, has appointed Rachel Okine as its new Managing Director.
Okine was most recently STXinternational’s head of acquisitions between 2017 and 2019. She was previously Paris-based as Vice President of International Production and Acquisitions for Studiocanal and London-based with Film4.
At Aquarius, Okine will look to drive the company’s growth as it aims to have three-five projects in production per year going forward. She will also manage its established partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, Sbs Australia and ABC Australia, as well as seeking new partners.
Aquarius was founded by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford. The company’s recent work also includes The Unlisted, a 15-part sci-fi TV series for Netflix and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which was triple-nominated at the Aacta Awards.
Its upcoming slate features Guy Pearce...
Okine was most recently STXinternational’s head of acquisitions between 2017 and 2019. She was previously Paris-based as Vice President of International Production and Acquisitions for Studiocanal and London-based with Film4.
At Aquarius, Okine will look to drive the company’s growth as it aims to have three-five projects in production per year going forward. She will also manage its established partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, Sbs Australia and ABC Australia, as well as seeking new partners.
Aquarius was founded by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford. The company’s recent work also includes The Unlisted, a 15-part sci-fi TV series for Netflix and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which was triple-nominated at the Aacta Awards.
Its upcoming slate features Guy Pearce...
- 2/6/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Seasoned industry executive, Rachel Okine has joined Australian film and TV production company Aquarius Films as its managing director. Until last year she was with Stx International in a position covering U.K. theatrical and international sales.
Okine began her career in the acquisitions department of FilmFour in London in 2001. Returning to Australia in 2002, she joined independent film distribution company, Hopscotch, moving from marketing to production. She later became Paris-based VP of international production and acquisitions for French-owned studio and distributor Studiocanal, where she acquired titles for the French, German and Australia / New Zealand markets.
Aquarius, which has strategic partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, Sbs Australia and ABC Australia, aims to have three to five projects in production per year. Okine will report to company founders and principal producers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
Aquarius is currently working on Guy Pearce’s directorial debut “Poor Boy,...
Okine began her career in the acquisitions department of FilmFour in London in 2001. Returning to Australia in 2002, she joined independent film distribution company, Hopscotch, moving from marketing to production. She later became Paris-based VP of international production and acquisitions for French-owned studio and distributor Studiocanal, where she acquired titles for the French, German and Australia / New Zealand markets.
Aquarius, which has strategic partnerships with Universal, Warner Bros. Australia, Anonymous Content, Netflix, Stan, Sbs Australia and ABC Australia, aims to have three to five projects in production per year. Okine will report to company founders and principal producers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford.
Aquarius is currently working on Guy Pearce’s directorial debut “Poor Boy,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Company pipeline includes Guy Pearce directorial debut Poor Boy.
Aquarius Films, the Australian producer of Netflix series The Unlisted and Toronto 2019 selection Dirt Music, has appointed former senior STXinternational acquisitions executive Rachel Okine as managing director, effective immediately.
Okine joins the company as its upcoming pipeline includes Guy Pearce’s directorial debut Poor Boy, in which Pearce will also star. Aquarius is also in development on the adaptation by Angela’s Ashes screenwriter Laura Jones of The Last Painting Of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith, as well as adaptations of Hannah Kent’s second novel The Good People, and Matt Okine...
Aquarius Films, the Australian producer of Netflix series The Unlisted and Toronto 2019 selection Dirt Music, has appointed former senior STXinternational acquisitions executive Rachel Okine as managing director, effective immediately.
Okine joins the company as its upcoming pipeline includes Guy Pearce’s directorial debut Poor Boy, in which Pearce will also star. Aquarius is also in development on the adaptation by Angela’s Ashes screenwriter Laura Jones of The Last Painting Of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith, as well as adaptations of Hannah Kent’s second novel The Good People, and Matt Okine...
- 2/6/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
(L-r) Debra Liang, Tine Klint and Lauren Valmadre.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her international film sales and distribution company LevelK, Tine Klint offers some advice to Australian filmmakers.
Perhaps the most valuable tip: Don’t target the world, even though the mantra “local for global” is in vogue.
“I recommend staying true to original stories,” Tine tells If. “Don’t adapt and change cultural differences: some projects lose their originality because they are designed for world platforms or global deals.”
A former sales exec at TrustNordisk, Zentropa and Nordisk Film, the Copenhagen-based Klint first connected with Australia when Aquarius Films’ Angie Fielder got in touch in 2009 after announcing plans to produce Wish You Were Here.
Subsequently Klint and Fielder met at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2010 and LevelK handled international sales for the drama directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith.
That led to numerous collaborations with Aussie filmmakers encompassing such films as Celeste,...
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her international film sales and distribution company LevelK, Tine Klint offers some advice to Australian filmmakers.
Perhaps the most valuable tip: Don’t target the world, even though the mantra “local for global” is in vogue.
“I recommend staying true to original stories,” Tine tells If. “Don’t adapt and change cultural differences: some projects lose their originality because they are designed for world platforms or global deals.”
A former sales exec at TrustNordisk, Zentropa and Nordisk Film, the Copenhagen-based Klint first connected with Australia when Aquarius Films’ Angie Fielder got in touch in 2009 after announcing plans to produce Wish You Were Here.
Subsequently Klint and Fielder met at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2010 and LevelK handled international sales for the drama directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith.
That led to numerous collaborations with Aussie filmmakers encompassing such films as Celeste,...
- 12/5/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
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